Helping Hedgehogs

18 January 2019

Hedgehog’s have been voted the nation’s favourite wild mammal and have been on the Earth for over 15 million years, roaming the earth alongside woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers. Since 2000 is it thought that the UK has lost half of its rural hedgehog populations and a third from urban areas.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has produced a guide to treating hedgehogs complete with a drug formulary for vets. They have also produced a worm ID chart and teamed up with the RSPCA, ZSL, the BWRC and Vale Wildlife Hospital to create best practice guidance on releasing rehabilitated hedgehogs. All of these resources are available for free on their website under their rehabilitators area. They will also provide free hard copies for those who request it.

The British Hedgehog Preservation are asking that those rescuing or treating hedgehogs to register the hedgehog on the BIG Hedgehog Map. The map is part of the ‘Hedgehog Street’ campaign run by BHPS and People’s Trust for Endangered Species. Live sightings as well as road kill reports are requested by the charities; people can even map Hedgehog Highways on the site (CD case sized gaps made in boundary fences and walls to open up valuable habitat for hedgehogs).

The Society produces posters that can be downloaded, perfect for waiting rooms and they also encourage and support awareness and fundraising activities over the Hedgehog Awareness Week, held 5- 11 May. The Society can provide collection boxes and free leaflets and handouts.

To request a drug formulary, worm ID chart and fundraising resources please email info@britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Hedgehog Resources from the BSAVA